Jacksonville Fl- The FHSAA Class 2A boys basketball season ended with a historic moment for North Florida. The Providence School Stallions captured the Class 2A state championship with a 51–43 victory over Miami Country Day School, after first defeating Northside Christian School 59–43 in the Final Four.
With the win, Providence ended a 10-year drought for North Florida boys basketball teams and added another championship banner to an already proud program.
Leading the way once again was veteran head coach Jim Martin. The victory marked Martin’s fourth state title, adding to championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015. Over his remarkable 25-year career, Martin has guided the Stallions to six state finals appearances and collected more than 500 wins.
Fast Start in the Semifinal
Providence set the tone early in the Class 2A semifinal against Northside Christian. Nolan Nelson scored the first points of the game, giving the Stallions an early 3–0 lead. Moments later, Nelson made a strong move to the basket to help Providence build a 10–6 advantage with four minutes left in the first quarter.
Nolan Nelson strong move in the Class 2A semifinals! Providence 3-0 vs Northside Christian 10-6 Stallions! 4:00, 1st pic.twitter.com/lzqYBQIDQ1
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 7, 2026
Then the crowd inside University of North Florida Arena erupted.
Luke Mayberry buried a deep three-pointer that electrified the Jacksonville fans. By the end of the first quarter, Providence held a 17–10 lead and had all the momentum.
Luke Mayberry with a threeeeee! The Jacksonville crowd is electric Friday night!
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 7, 2026
in the Class 2A semifinals! Providence 17-10 vs Northside Christian 10-6 Stallions! End, 1st @luke2mayberry pic.twitter.com/9gi85Ub5l5
The Stallions continued their push in the second quarter. William Stewart powered to the basket, drew contact, and finished the play with an and-one opportunity. After hitting the free throw, Providence led 21–15 with just over four minutes remaining in the half.
And 1!!!! William Stewart goes strong and draws the foul! Providence leads Northside Christian (St Petersburg) 21-15 after he hits the free throw! 2nd,4:12 pic.twitter.com/vvH9cmlGOn
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 7, 2026
Northside Christian fought back, but Marvin Christie answered with a strong drive to the basket. At halftime, Providence held a slim 25–22 lead.
Christie Takes Flight
In the third quarter, Christie delivered the highlight of the night. The athletic guard soared toward the rim and slammed home a two-handed dunk that brought the crowd to its feet. The play helped Providence stretch the lead to 31–22 and gave the Stallions full control.
Marvin Christie takes to the sky with a 2 hand JAM!! Wow! Providence opens up a 31-22 lead over Northside Christian! pic.twitter.com/7nalnc9TsR
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 7, 2026
Later in the fourth quarter, Ryan Gornto drilled a big three-pointer that sent the crowd into another frenzy. Providence eventually pulled away, leading 48–36 with just over four minutes remaining before closing out the 59–43 victory.
Ryan Gornto!!! For Threeeeee! The crowd is on fire here at UNF in the Class 2A State Semifinal! Providence pulling away in the 4th! They lead Northside Christian 48-36, 4th 4:18 pic.twitter.com/n7khIqkiV6
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 7, 2026
Christie’s high-flying plays energized the Stallions throughout the semifinal and carried into the championship game.
Defensive Battle for the Title
The state championship matchup against Miami Country Day (24-7), and Providence (27-3) was sure to be a competitive contest, but many didn’t anticipate what was to come.
Providence enters the 2A state title game against Miami Country Day! pic.twitter.com/zI4AWi1IWZ
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 8, 2026
The game turned into a defensive struggle. After the first quarter, the game was tied 11–11. Even midway through the third quarter, neither team could pull away as the score remained locked at 25.
However, Providence stayed patient. The Stallions played tough defense and ran an efficient offense, consistently finding open shooters.
Meanwhile, Miami Country Day pushed the tempo early but struggled to finish drives and convert shots. Guard Fernando Romero knocked down a few late three-pointers, but surprisingly the Spartans did not continue feeding him the ball down the stretch.
Providence capitalized on that opportunity.
Ryan Gornto hit a key three-pointer to extend the lead to 42–33. Shortly afterward, William Stewart scored inside to push the advantage to 44–36. From there, the Stallions’ defense sealed the deal.
Nolan Nelson led Providence in scoring (18 points) and rebounds in the championship game, while Gornto added 14 points with several clutch shots.
When the final buzzer sounded, Providence had secured the Class 2A state championship and delivered a memorable moment for North Florida basketball.
For Coach Martin and the Stallions, it was more than just another title—it was the continuation of a championship legacy. A legacy that fittingly finally brought home a championship at home in Jacksonville.
